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Geotechnical Engineering Services
Specialist forensic and advisory geotechnical expertise within Hawkins’ Built Environment team
When the cause of a loss lies beneath the surface, getting the geotechnical analysis right is critical.
Hawkins’ geotechnical engineers support insurers, loss adjusters and legal teams in the investigation of complex ground‑related losses, from subsidence and ground movement to buried infrastructure and foundation failures.
Working as part of Hawkins’ wider Built Environment team, our geotechnical engineers provide independent forensic investigation, expert witness evidence and technically robust advice to support high‑value, contested claims.
How we Support Clients
Geotechnical engineering is central to many high‑value claims and disputes. Our specialists support clients throughout the lifecycle of a matter, from early investigation and complex losses through to expert evidence and litigation support.
PRE-LOSS RISK MANAGEMENT
- Advice on ground conditions, design assumptions and buildability
- Identification of geotechnical risks associated with basements, retaining walls, slopes and foundations
- Input into proportionate risk reduction and compliance strategiesÂ
FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
- Determination of the cause, mechanism and extent of ground‑related damage
- Subsidence, heave and landslip investigations
- Mining‑related ground movement
- Retaining wall, embankment and cutting instability
- Basement performance and waterproofing issues
EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
- Independent, impartial expert opinion
- CPR Part 35‑compliant reports and joint statements
- Technical review and critique of other expert evidence
- Assistance throughout ADR and litigation
POST-LOSS ADVICEÂ
- Development of proportionate and technically robust remediation strategies
- Risk mitigation to prevent recurrence
- Integration of geotechnical, structural and temporary works considerations
MAJOR & COMPLEX LOSSÂ
- Multidisciplinary response to high‑value and technically complex incidents
- Close coordination with Hawkins’ broader technical teams
- Collaboration with A. Lamb Associates and Morham & Brotchie where quantum considerations are required
Strengthening Our Team
Our geotechnical engineering capability is led by experienced engineers with extensive knowledge in forensic investigation, expert witness work and dispute support, providing the depth of expertise required on technically complex and contested matters.
YVONNE AINSWORTH –Â PRINCIPAL ASSOCIATE
A geotechnical engineer with over 25 years’ experience across contracting and consulting, specialising in forensic investigation, expert witness services and dispute support. This expertise is critical to diagnosing ground‑related failures and resolving complex disputes.
HARRY MEATYARD –Â ASSOCIATEÂ
A Chartered Civil Engineer specialising in geotechnics, with experience in complex infrastructure projects, earthworks, foundations and retaining structures, supporting the investigation and resolution of ground‑related engineering issues.
They join our established geotechnical and built environment team, strengthening our ability to support technically complex and high value matters.
Why Hawkins
Hawkins’ geotechnical engineers work closely with our established Built Environment specialists, including civil and structural engineers, architects, hydrologists and fire engineers, enabling a joined‑up, multidisciplinary approach where cases demand it.
We are trusted for:
- Independent and impartial forensic opinion
- Clear, concise and defensible reporting
- A rapid and proportionate response
- Experience across domestic claims and major, complex losses
- Proven support through litigation, arbitration and ADR
CPD & Client Support
As part of our client support offering, we provide tailored CPD and lunch‑and‑learn sessions focused on geotechnical issues commonly encountered in claims, disputes and risk management.
Frequent topics include:
- Subsidence: cause, investigation and repair
- Mining‑related ground movement: risks, investigation and mitigation
- Deep basements: design risk, construction issues and failure mechanisms
- Embankments and cuttings: stability, deterioration and intervention triggers
- Retaining walls: common defects and dispute considerations
- Waterproof basements: performance, responsibility and remediation
- Sinkholes: causes, investigation and risk considerations
